Gov: Unions not needed at Mercedes-Benz plant

By Associated Press&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Mon 1:03 PM, Jul 01, 2013

VANCE, Ala. (AP) -- Gov. Robert Bentley says the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vance does not need a union.

Al.com reported Monday (http://bit.ly/117nSWb) that Bentley's comments from a visit to the Tuscaloosa County plant last week are the most pointed public ones to date from a state official about the United Auto Workers' aggressive campaign.

The campaign, supported by the German union IG Metall, is attempting to organize the plant's 3,000 workers as the auto factory adds new products and expands capacity.

Supporters say a desire for a better pension plan, work schedules and improved ergonomics are among the key issues. Workers opposed to the union campaign have launched their own website, www.uawno.org.

The UAW has a similar campaign under way at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tenn.; and the Nissan plant in Canton, Miss.

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